Pregnancy
Now more than ever, women are choosing to have children later in life. There are a variety of personal reasons for why women may choose to delay having children – whether that’s to focus on our career goals, financial reasons, or that we’re still looking for the right partner. Yet, despite pregnancy after age 35 becoming more common, there still seems to be a stigma around it.
In this edition of Candid Consult, we spoke with Dr. Sumiya Majeed (OB/GYN of Indiana) about the real connection between age and pregnancy and how to plan for a healthy pregnancy later in life.
It’s definitely possible to get pregnant after 35! I’m a personal example of that. I’m a proud mom of two and had both of my children after age 35. In fact, we’ve seen a significant trend over the past few years of more and more women in the United States having their first births over the age of 35. Women shouldn’t feel that 35 is a hard stop for getting pregnant.
Unfortunately, medical terminology doesn’t always match up with our modern-day societal norms and language. Even if your pregnancy is labeled “geriatric” by medical guidelines, it doesn’t mean you’re too old to be having a baby!
Yes, it is true that a woman’s fertility declines with age. Before the age of 35, women typically have an easier time conceiving and can conceive more quickly. As we age, our egg reserve can diminish, and we can experience a change in our ovulation patterns. Fortunately, there are many new technologies that can assist in helping women conceive like medication to stimulate ovulation, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), or Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). While you may require more assistance, it doesn’t mean it’s not possible.
Women over 35 carry a slightly higher risk of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Non-invasive prenatal screening tests (NIPT) can help to screen for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome. Women in this age group may also experience an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes, hypertension or preeclampsia. It’s important to discuss any preexisting medical conditions with your healthcare provider.
Diet and exercise play an important role in many areas of our health, especially during pregnancy. We know that obesity can make it more difficult to conceive whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or 40s. Diets such as the Mediterranean diet have been shown to help boost fertility and help women to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also important. Age is only one of the factors that increase pregnancy complications. A pregnant patient in her 20s with multiple medical conditions is going to be at higher risk for complications than a healthy woman in her mid-30s. I can’t stress enough how helpful a visit with your OB/GYN prior to conception is in improving outcomes.
In addition to diet and exercise, connecting with your provider early is important. I always encourage women to come and see us before they are considering getting pregnant. The more we know about your health before you enter pregnancy, the better we can assist in helping you throughout your pregnancy journey. During this time, I recommend having your thyroid checked, screening for diabetes, and screening for high blood pressure, which could all affect your chances of a healthy pregnancy. We can also talk about genetic testing to determine if you could potentially pass on conditions such as cystic fibrosis or spinal muscular atrophy to your baby. Pre-conception planning is key to a healthy pregnancy.
I think it’s never too early to speak with your doctor, and know your options. If you’re heading into your mid-30s and are unsure if you want to get pregnant in the next few years, you may want to discuss fertility preservation options such as egg freezing or embryo banking with your provider. It’s important to know that egg loss occurs throughout a woman’s life, but it’s not until age 37 that we typically see a more dramatic decline in a woman’s egg reserve. Research shows that women who freeze their eggs before age 35 have the most success with a live birth.
Our mid-30s can be a wonderful time in life as we have more stability in our careers, personal lives, and a better awareness of our overall health. With proper planning and discussions with your provider, you can absolutely achieve a healthy pregnancy after age 35.
To schedule a consult with Dr. Majeed or one of her teammates at OB/GYN of Indiana, schedule online or call (317) 872-1415.
Thank you to Mom.com for featuring us in your latest article about pelvic organ prolapse, a condition that often goes undiscussed. It may sound scary, but with the right support it is manageable! Visit link in bio to read the full article.
#postpartum #postpartumsupport #pelvicorganprolapse #pelvicfloorphysicaltherapy #pregnancysupport
Did you know that your menstrual cycle is more than just the main event – your period? It’s actually a series of four different phases that each play a role in your reproductive health. Getting in touch with your cycle can help you with planning for pregnancy and even detecting other health issues. Swipe right to learn more.
The fertility awareness method (tracking of your menstrual cycle in order to prevent pregnancy) has been gaining traction on TikTok and other social media channels of late. But, does it work? Axia Women`s Health OB/GYN, Dr. Daniel DiSabatino, explains what you need to know about the risks/benefits in a recent interview with Yahoo! Swipe through to learn more.
#fertilityawareness #birthcontrol #naturalfamilyplanning #cycletracking #contraception
‘Tis the season of giving thanks, and we couldn’t be more thankful for our incredible patient community! 🙏🏻💛Thank you for trusting us with your care. Through the happy moments and the sad, from puberty to pregnancy and even into the golden years, through challenges and joyous moments, we thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey.
#thankful #appreciationpost #patientcare #givethanks #pregnancy #obgyn #gynecology
All moms know that holding your baby is an important part of bonding emotionally. But did you know it can also provide physical benefits? Kangaroo Care, a specific form of skin-to-skin contact, can have benefits for both preemies and their parents. Research shows that holding a baby to your bare chest can help regulate the baby`s heart rate, breathing, and body temperature as well as promote bonding. To all of the NICU mamas, we see you and salute your strength!
#worldpreemieday💜
Do you know the physical signs of ovulation? If you`re trying to get pregnant, tracking ovulation can go a long way to helping you conceive. Beyond that, knowing your ovulation patterns can clue you in on other potential health issues like PCOS or thyroid conditions. Swipe right to learn the signs.
#ovulationtracking #ovulationsigns #TTC #ovulation #ovulationstest #tryingtoconceivetips #tryingtoconceive
It`s sexual health month, so 🎶let`s talk about sex 🎶 post-baby. Perhaps, you`ve had your 6-week-checkup but still aren`t feeling ready to be intimate again...that`s completely okay!
There`s so much to navigate as a new mom. 🤯It can be challenging to find the time or energy to be intimate with your partner. 👩❤️💋👨
But, if you`re feeling ready and are bothered by symptoms like pain or discomfort, don`t be afraid to speak up! Your Axia Women`s Health provider is here to help.
The truth is because PCOS can disrupt your normal menstrual cycle, it can take longer to get pregnant...but it`s not impossible! 💫👩🏽🍼
Some women may be able to conceive naturally after managing PCOS symptoms, while others may find help in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. 🔬
Wherever you are in your journey with PCOS, don`t give up hope! 💜 Stay tuned as we shed light on more common myths surrounding PCOS throughout the month.
As incredible as breastfeeding can be for bonding with your baby, it`s no secret that it can come with some challenges. That’s why we`re sharing our support during #breastfeedingmonth. Whether you breastfeed, chest feed, bottle feed, or do a mix of both, we salute you! Swipe right for some of our favorite resources on this topic.
Many women are seeking to better understand how the Supreme Court reversal of Roe v Wade may impact their reproductive health. At Axia Women’s Health, we’re actively involved in conversations with other leading health authorities and are committed to helping you navigate the future of your care. We’re here for you, and we encourage you to contact your Axia Women’s Health provider to discuss your individual needs.
To learn more about where abortion access currently stands in your state, follow @kaiserfamilyfoundation or visit their website at www.kff.org. News outlets like the @NYTimes also offer up-to-date tracking on their website at www.NYTimes.com.
Please know that birth control (when used for preventing pregnancy) and emergency contraception (like plan B) are not currently banned in any states, though it is an evolving situation, and may change in some states. Please refer to information regarding your specific state’s regulations, or speak with your Axia Women’s Health provider for the most current and accurate information.
Please note: This information is accurate as of July 21, 2022, and may change.
It`s true that during pregnancy and around our menstrual cycles our natural balance of progesterone and estrogen can be disrupted. This imbalance can create an ideal environment for Candida fungi, the bacteria involved in yeast infections, to grow. 🤔
Fortunately, several over the counter medications can help the infection clear up within a few days. 💊
But if you`re experiencing recurrent infections, it`s a good idea to chat with your Axia Women`s Health provider. 💬
#yeastinfection #vaginalhealth #whatsupdownthere
The invention of birth control was a game-changer for women`s health..in more ways than one. Did you know that certain birth control can provide benefits other than preventing pregnancy?
In fact, up to 50% of birth control users rely on it for reasons other than contraception. Your Axia Women`s Health provider can help you learn more and determine the best option for you!
#birthcontrol #periodpain #menstrualmigraine #acne #womenshealth
Many women wonder, "is it safe to dye your hair while pregnant?" Daniel DiSabatino, DO, from Axia Women`s Health spoke with Forbes Health to shed some light on this frequently asked question. Good news: you don`t have to completely forgo your beauty routine while pregnant, but it`s best to wait until the second trimester to use any hair dyes or bleach.
#pregnancytips #haircare #beauty #healthylifestyle #pregnancy
Join us next Thursday, May 26 at 12pm ET for a real talk about women`s mental health. Megan Lobsinger, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor at Axia Women`s Health, will be sharing advice on navigating emotions around infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Have a question you want addressed? Comment below or DM us privately.
#IGLive #mentalhealthmonth #womensmentalhealth
Have you ever wondered if playing music during pregnancy can support your baby`s development? The short answer is: we don`t really know, given inconclusive data. But we do know that music can be calming and soothing to the carrier, providing comfort during pregnancy. Dr. Thomas Dardarian, an OB/GYN with Axia Women`s Health, spoke with the LoveEvery podcast to further explore the topic of the "Mozart" effect. Visit link in bio to listen to the full podcast.
#pregnancy #mozarteffect #childhooddevelopment #parenting
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